Research Paper

Work Motivational Challenges Regarding the Interface Between Agile Teams and a Non-Agile Surrounding Organization: A case study

Abstract

There are studies showing what happens if agile teams are introduced into a non-agile organization, e.g. higher overhead costs and the necessity of an understanding of agile methods even outside the teams. This case study shows an example of work motivational aspects that might surface when an agile team exists in the middle of a more traditional structure. This case study was conducted at a car manufacturer in Sweden, consisting of an unstructured interview with the Scrum Master and a semi-structured focus group. The results show that the teams felt that the feedback from the surrounding organization was unsynchronized resulting in them not feeling appreciated when delivering their work. Moreover, they felt frustrated when working on non-agile teams after having been working on agile ones. This study concludes that there were work motivational effects of fitting an agile team into a non-agile surrounding organization, and therefore this might also be true for other organizations.

Lucas Gren
Chalmers University and
Gothenburg University
Gothenburg, Sweden 412–92
[email protected]

Richard Torkar
Chalmers University and
Gothenburg University
Gothenburg, Sweden 412–92
and Blekinge Institute of Technology
Karlskrona, Sweden 371–79
[email protected]

Robert Feldt
Blekinge Institute of Technology
Karlskrona, Sweden 371–79
[email protected]

Agile Alliance members-only content

To read the full content, and gain access to many more valuable resources, conference discounts, and invitations to exclusive networking and learning events, please consider becoming an Agile Alliance member.

If you’re already a member, please log in now. 

Your membership enables Agile Alliance to offer a wealth of first-rate resources, present renowned international events, support global community groups, and more — all geared toward helping Agile practitioners reach their full potential and deliver innovative, Agile solutions.

Add to Bookmarks Remove Bookmark
Add to Bookmarks Remove from Bookmarks
Add to Bookmarks Remove from Bookmarks

Got feedback? Join the conversation!

Additional Agile Research Papers

In Agile software development, key artifacts used to support the process are the User Story (usually recorded on a Storycard) and Story Cardwall (usually a dedicated portion of a wall). These low-fidelity tools work together to help teams stay focuse…
With the popularization of Agile methods for developing and managing software projects, many organizations have been using visual management tools for planning, executing and evaluating their activities. These visual management tools range from simpl…

Discover the many benefits of membership

Your membership enables Agile Alliance to offer a wealth of first-rate resources, present renowned international events, support global community groups, and more — all geared toward helping Agile practitioners reach their full potential and deliver innovative, Agile solutions.

Not yet a member? Sign up now